It's getting hot out here!

Well, lukewarm at least. Plan to make the most of alfresco season with a look at the newest patios

April 05, 2006|By Terri Mooney. TERRI MOONEY IS A METROMIX SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR.

Carnivale

702 W. FULTON MKT. 312-850-5005

We can't wait to suck down a margarita and get high on fumes simultaneously at this always-swingin' West Loop spot. They're launching alfresco dining and lunch service May 1; look for lunch fare like a Cuban sandwich ($12), plus new dinner choices including roasted halibut with spring vegetable ragout in a saffron-lime broth ($26). The outdoor cafe, decked with cast iron and aluminum furniture, has great views of the suckers stuck in Kennedy traffic below.

Timo

464 N. HALSTED ST. 312-226-4300

John Bubala recently morphed French-accented Thyme into Timo; the menu now focuses on Italian-inflected fare like risotto with smoked mozzarella, asparagus, sausage and scallions ($11/$20). The secluded, tree and plant-filled patio already was plush; now it has Dale Chihuly-inspired chandeliers to enhance the alfresco experience. Open now.

Volo

2008 W. ROSCOE ST. 773-348-4600

This Roscoe Village eatery missed most of last summer; they launched their vineyard-inspired patio in late August. This year, owners are sprucing up for a mid-April alfresco debut, adding retractable curtains to the cabanas and arty drapery to the weathered barn; plus, they're launching Monday movie nights and new wine-friendly grub like lamb loin with tomato-olive tapenade ($15).

Parlor

1745 W. NORTH AVE. 773-782-9000

We can't wait to sip a gin-spiked blueberry cobbler cocktail ($8) on this Wicker Park patio, which is slated for an April 15 debut (outdoor liquor license pending). The secluded, rear space has a high fence to keep nosy neighbors from sneaking a peek, plus it mostly muffles North Avenue noise. Saturday brunch launches the same day; choices include sage buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy ($8), or sleep in and do American fare like a smoked pork chop ($19) at dinner.

Haro

2436 S. OAKLEY ST. 773-847-2400

This Heart of Italy tapas spot plans to move the Spanish vibe to the sidewalk by early May. Soccer fans will never miss a goal; there are clear views of the indoor screen from the cafe. Nosh on fare like escargot with sherry-glazed mushrooms ($8); wash 'em down with a caprichosa, a top-secret concoction so lethal there's a three-drink max ($7).

Sola

3868 N. LINCOLN AVE. 773-327-3868

The outdoor cafe at this North Center spot's courtesy of the same folks who designed the interior, so expect similar decor elements--like a matching ornamental railing and earthy hues--to spill on to the sidewalk around May 1. Dig into springtime offerings like striped bass over baby bok choy with a peekytoe crab-laced green papaya salad ($25).

Fulton's on the River

315 N. LASALLE ST. 312-822-0100

This River North spot, aiming to open its outdoor seating in early May, has dead-on views of the Chicago River and the skyline beyond. Ward off seasickness with a cashew-crusted tilapia ($23.95), or indulge in seasonal softshell crab offerings like a spider roll with avocado and spicy mayo ($18.95).

NEW SPOT ALERT:

Bravo Tapas and Lounge

2047 W. DIVISION ST. 773-384-5937

This tapas restaurant doesn't open in Ukie Village until early May. When it does, look for a 26-foot waterfall inside and a gurgling fountain outside. The menu's still hush-hush; we do know prices will range from $7-$24, and they'll offer choices like herb-marinated, grilled baby octopus.